Technology is becoming more and more important in today's society and it is very important for our students to be able to know how to use it, and also to benefit from the many different activities that can help with student learning. Many students are exposed to different types of technology, but they do not see how these technologies can benefit them with learning and also with many life skills. To much time is spent on playing games, instead of helping out each other from the various benefits of new technologies. Students can practice many different skills by using new technologies. They can improve their literacy and writing skills, learn how to do research, and improve their critical thinking skills overall.
Activity 1: Blogging
I have observed a teacher who would used blogs in her classroom before, and adapted this activity from her. There are various different ways blogging can be used in the classroom and it can be adapted for all different grade levels. Depending on how much technology is available for the classroom it is very important. If it would be possible, I would have students blog everyday. This would be their bell ringer. I would also have students response quickly to two other classmates. I understand that most schools do not have access to technology everyday and this would activity would probably not be possible. A teacher can spend one day a week in the classroom to blog. The teacher can explain to the students why blogging is important and how it can be used to impact society. The teacher can come up with a question that goes along with the unit they are studying and one that is challenging for the student. Students will than be challenged to answer the question, as well as respond to their classmates. This will help students with improving their literacy and writing skills. Challenging questions will help students with thinking critically. The topics should also be interesting to the students, because than they will want to do the assignment.
Activity 2: Wordles
Students can develop a wordles online which will help them with vocabulary practice. The students can choose which of the words they have the most trouble with, and which one they understand with less problems. They than can create a wordles that they believe is very interesting and looks nice for them. The students can use the internet to help them study the words and practice them. I believe that a worldes can be used in any grade level. In the younger grade levels the teacher can come up with a wordless and than use it in the classroom.
Activity 1: Blogging
I have observed a teacher who would used blogs in her classroom before, and adapted this activity from her. There are various different ways blogging can be used in the classroom and it can be adapted for all different grade levels. Depending on how much technology is available for the classroom it is very important. If it would be possible, I would have students blog everyday. This would be their bell ringer. I would also have students response quickly to two other classmates. I understand that most schools do not have access to technology everyday and this would activity would probably not be possible. A teacher can spend one day a week in the classroom to blog. The teacher can explain to the students why blogging is important and how it can be used to impact society. The teacher can come up with a question that goes along with the unit they are studying and one that is challenging for the student. Students will than be challenged to answer the question, as well as respond to their classmates. This will help students with improving their literacy and writing skills. Challenging questions will help students with thinking critically. The topics should also be interesting to the students, because than they will want to do the assignment.
Activity 2: Wordles
Students can develop a wordles online which will help them with vocabulary practice. The students can choose which of the words they have the most trouble with, and which one they understand with less problems. They than can create a wordles that they believe is very interesting and looks nice for them. The students can use the internet to help them study the words and practice them. I believe that a worldes can be used in any grade level. In the younger grade levels the teacher can come up with a wordless and than use it in the classroom.